THE DISTRIBUTION AND METABOLISM OF C14-LABELED LACTIC ACID AND BICARBONATE IN PREGNANT PRIMATES *

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Abstract
Study of exchange and transfer mechanisms between primate maternal and fetal circulations and amniotic fluid using C-14 labeled lactic acid and CO2 demonstrates a rapid exchange of CO2 between amniotic fluid and fetus and a simultaneous transfer of CO2 from fetus to mother, without demonstrable conversion into lactic acid. Lactic acid carboxyl C is rapidly incorporated into CO2, however, and is transferred from mother to fetus and amniotic fluid in both forms. Transfer in the opposite direction also occurs, free exchange being demonstrated for both metabolites.